Judges 16
Samson’s hair is cut
Samson from the tribe of Dan on the Philistine
border was, before birth, appointed by God to be Israel’s deliverer. God
endowed him with superhuman strength, and under God, his exploits were simply
amazing. Samson would be the last of the Judges mentioned in the book of
Judges.
Samson told his wife Delilah that he would lose his strength
with the loss of his hair. Delilah calls for a servant to shave Samson's
seven locks, since that broke the oath that was given him before his birth; the
Philistines, who blind him, capture Samson. After being blinded, Samson is
brought to Gaza, imprisoned, and put to work grinding grain. Samson died when
he grasped two pillars of the Temple of Dagon, and “bowed them.” Thus, he killed many more as he died than
while he lived.
Here is yet another
account of the Lord using someone with a less than stellar and seedy past to work
the Lord’s will and way. God was not only willing to hear and forgive Samson,
but God was still willing to use him in doing His work of deliverance for
Israel. It doesn't matter what kind of mistakes you have made. No matter how
bad your past, there is always hope. Our Father in heaven is in the business of
new beginnings. That’s the point of Samson’s story that’s the message of the
cross and of Lent. Repent, believe the Gospel, there is still plenty of living
to do, our Lord can still use you.
Almighty
God, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts that He may rule and direct us
according to Your will. Comfort us in all our temptations and afflictions,
defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth that we, being steadfast
in faith, may increase in all good works and in the end obtain everlasting
life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Schnorr
von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS
Halley’s
Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962
Zondervan Grand Rapid
Collect
for the Holy Spirit, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House,
St. Louis
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